A dispersal zone has been rolled out on several streets in Harlesden to combat anti-social behaviour which is blighting residents and traders.
Under the measures, which will be in place from this Sunday until March 7 next year, police officers and PSCOs will be able to ask groups of more than two people to leave the area.
The zone has been introduced following a string of complaints in the last three months about people loitering outside homes where they are drug dealing, drinking alcohol, littering, harassing and intimidating residents, fighting, shouting and using threatening language.
Anyone who is asked to leave is banned from returning to the area for 24 hours.
If they refuse to leave or return within the time frame they face being arrested and could be hauled before the courts.
If they are convicted they could be jailed for up to three months or face a maximum fine of £2,500.
Officers will be regularly patrolling the area to ensure the dispersal zone is enforced.
Cllr Aslam Choudry, Brent Council’s lead member for crime and prevention said: “Local residents have had to put up with intimidating behaviour, drug dealing, fighting, noise and more on a regular basis.
“This cannot be allowed to continue and the council fully supports the actions of the police in putting in place this dispersal zone.
“I urge residents to report this type of behaviour to allow the police to identify those responsible and to take appropriate action.”
To contact Kensal Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team call 020 8721 2055 or email Safe@met.police.uk.
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